Opposition coalition not plotting to ‘overthrow’ Tinubu, ADC replies Onanuga

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has faulted Bayo Onanuga, special adviser to the president on information and strategy, over a claim that the opposition is plotting to “overthrow” President Bola Tinubu.

In an X post on Monday, Onanuga said some critics were conspiring to bring down the “most focused, most transformative” in Nigeria’s history.

“Emir Sanusi warned Nigerians what to expect from President Tinubu’s reforms,” Onanuga wrote while quoting a video on X.

“‘It’s not going to be easy,’ he said. ‘If anybody tells you it would be easy, don’t vote for him.’

“Just two years after Tinubu began implementing the reforms, the haters of Nigeria’s progress are banding together to overthrow an administration that has been the most focused and most transformative in our history.”

Reacting to the post in a statement on Wednesday, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC spokesperson, described the comment as “reckless and an attempt to create a false narrative” to justify a crack down on opposition leaders.

“This tweet by Bayo Onanuga is a textbook example of a political dog whistle. The APC-led federal government appears to be constructing a false narrative designed to justify a clampdown on dissent and to criminalise legitimate opposition under the guise of national security,” the statement reads.

The ADC said it has no interest in destabilising the country, noting that its commitment to change is anchored solely on democratic means.

“We are not soldiers, we are politicians. We don’t have bullets; we only have the ballots. When the time comes, we will present our solutions and an alternative vision for Nigeria, and allow the people to decide.”

The party accused the All Progressives Congress (APC), which once gained power through opposition politics, of being intolerant of dissent.

“It is surprising that a party that came into office as an opposition now finds it strange that others exist to play the same role,” the statement added.

The ADC asked Tinubu to rein in his aides, warning that unsubstantiated claims could stoke tension ahead of the 2027 general election.

“This manner of crying wolf where there is none does not make the president look good. It only betrays a sense of panic within the government,” Abdullahi added.

The ADC spokesperson also urged Nigerians to remain alert to alleged attempts to delegitimise alternative voices and restrict political freedoms.

Abdullahi further called on the international community, democratic governments, and rights groups to closely monitor Nigeria’s political climate and hold the federal government accountable for any suppression of civil liberties.